“Vatnajökull is the biggest glacier in Europe with an area of more than five thousand stark blue-white miles.”

From Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl: The Atlantis Complex.

The former criminal mastermind, has turned his life around, but he refuses to let his genius go to waste; Artemis has created a protective flake that could be used to protect the melting glaciers of the world, so he invites Holly Short, Foaly, and Commander Vinyaya to see his newest invention.  However, during Artemis’ presentation, longtime friends Holly and Foaly realize that the young human is unwell and has contracted the Atlantis Complex disorder.  With the disorder, Artemis obsessively focuses on the number five and develops an alter ego named Orion.  When a probe crash lands into the LEP shuttle, it is devastating for all present, but Artemis is unable to separate reality from his frequent delusions.  Across the globe, Butler receives a distress message from his younger sister, Juliet, and travels to Cancun to help her.  When Butler arrives, he is surprised to find his sister not in trouble, but Artemis’ distrust and sending away of Butler turns out to be a blessing as a fairy urges a full stadium to attack Butler and Juliet shortly after his arrival.  As Holly desperately tries to protect those with her she must also manage the vastly different personalities of Orion and Artemis.  As the scattered band of friends fights against a mind-controlling enemy, it will push all of them to their limits, with the exception of Artemis’ alter ego, who might hold their only chance of survival.

The seventh book in the series is intense and full of action, taking on slightly more serious themes while also creating an enjoyable fantasy adventure.  Colfer’s blending of the real and fantastical is, as always, fun and somehow believable.  The characters are allowed a chance to develop in pace with a solid story and imagery.  The Atlantis Complex acts as a turning point for the series and will leave readers waiting desperately to read the next book.